What side of the storm are we on?

"Those in the faith, those who pray, continue to pray for peace. Regardless of what happens this year and beyond, we must first seek peace yet prepare for the coming wars and rumors of wars. The trumpets might be sounding soon. We must be ready. Spiritually ready."   

What side of the storm are we on? First off, let me define this storm to be world peace or world war. Currently, are we peace makers or war mongers? Basically, it depends on whom you ask. But we need to look much deeper for the answer to that question. Jesus is quoted as saying the following in Matthew 24:6 when asked when the end of the age will be - "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come."

My gosh, does that not ring true for today? As much as Donald Trump has tried to broker peace throughout the world, even if it means having armed conflict in Iran, wars and rumors of wars still prevail. Many still wonder why we must we kill our fellow man over land or ideas. Why is that? Because we are carnal. We have all been born that way. Why are so many people shot to death in Chicago each weekend? Carnality. War, murder, torture, trafficking - these are all products of living in a broken world. And if Jesus said that the end of the age will be recognized by wars and rumors of wars - count on that to happen.

Which side of the storm will we be on? Is it worth chasing peace when in the final days wars and rumors of wars might just be a certainty? When I look to the west to see how close China and Taiwan are to engaging in a huge war, I cringe. If war does break out in the Indo-Pacific, it will be much, much bigger than what recently happened in Venezuela or currently in Iran. A war by (or over) Taiwan could involve, China, Japan, the PI, Australia, India and maybe the US and Russia. That could easily hit the trip wire into WW III. 

But if that did happen, and many analysts who study China think it could happen in 2027, what should our posture be? Peacemakers? Or are we going to be one of the superpowers who fight it out? This storm will be massive, and it could herald the beginning of the end of this age.

Those in the faith, those who pray, continue to pray for peace. Regardless of what happens this year and beyond, we must first seek peace, yet prepare for any coming wars and rumors of wars. The trumpets might be sounding soon. We must be ready. Spiritually ready.